I appreciate you taking the time to make this video. But I must say that a lot of the errors you made are due to inexperience. For example, any tool I buy with a needed preset I check or test first. Also, I would never route a bead on a length of timber that long without a fence. Its just too large an opportunity for mistakes. I also have a couple questions: 1) Why would you used exposed pocket holes instead of hidden dowels or other type of blind joinery? 2) Are you planning on painting them? In my experience soft woods like basswood lasts longer when painted. It also ties into the room better if you match the window trim or wall paint color. Otherwise I think its a good video.
Thanks for your inputs! That is the purpose of this video, to be upfront about first time mistakes on this project. For a part-time woodworker, it is really hard to get the "experience" after many years. I have been woodworking for 7 years now and I would probably make the same type of mistakes on any first time build on some things. Regarding your questions 1) On the first build, given that the shutter needs to be perfectly square with all those louvers and other things installed so I do not recommend glue joinery for any beginner (or experienced person). You can make fine adjustments with a screw. My mistake was making those pocket holes on the outside, if they are on the inside you don't need to worry about them. By the way, I hate pocket holes for anything that is structural. 2) that shutter is long gone with the sale of the house a few years ago shortly after the build, but I did give it a dark stain but wasn't satisfied with the outcome. I would probably just "poly" it with oil based poly as the beauty of basswood is too good to be painted over. To each their own. Last but not least, I have stopped building anything that I cannot take with me so no more shutters!!!
I think I understand everything pretty well at this point. Except, I am going to spray paint latex on the shutters before installation, but I'm not sure if I want to spray the parts before assembly, or after assembly. It would be easier after assembly but I'm afraid those louvers may bind up if/when paint gets into the nylon swivels.
Bryan, if you are spraying thinned latex it is a lot easier post assembly. It is a lot harder to keep individually sprayed components from sticking to something and get a smooth finish. The paint won't even reach the nylon swivels :) I will post the video of me doing it soon.
The only time I recommend spraying before assembly is if you are staining the shutters. The spraying process has a tendency to overspray on the stiles and hence the stiles would end up way darker in stain color. Even in this case I would probably choose to spray post assembly since it is so much easier. You are spraying solid color latex it does not matter at all.
Great tips man , quick question when you measured your windows did you subtract 1/16 for each hinge and 1/8 for the panels ( where the two blinds will meet) then plugged it into the wizard or does the wizard automatically do that for you ? Thanks in advance Someone should make a detailed how to measure your window for rockler system hint hint 👍🏻
Hi there, it has been like 4 years since I made that and I don't remember honestly. i don't live in that house anymore otherwise I could go measure it for you. Rockler store representatives are normally super knowledgeable and should be able to guide you.
Great tips sir... Did you make your own louvers? I see rockler sells the bit but not sure where to get my wood stock for this I can only find 5/4 basswood any ideas?
Hello! I did not. I bought them from Rockler on sale. If you are making a lot to shutters, I recommend going to the lumber yard and having them mill these louvers for you. Rockler buys them from the places and you can save a lot of money by buying directly from them.
interesting points ,if anyone else wants to uncover woodworking project design try Jadonite Wood Blueprints Buddy (just google it ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got amazing success with it.
Nice video. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thanks for your tips. I'm starting on mine this weekend, finally.
Appreciate the comments. Good luck on your build. Let me know if you have any questions or if you run into any issues.
How did they turn out ?
Thank you.
Great advice Thank you.
I appreciate you taking the time to make this video. But I must say that a lot of the errors you made are due to inexperience. For example, any tool I buy with a needed preset I check or test first. Also, I would never route a bead on a length of timber that long without a fence. Its just too large an opportunity for mistakes. I also have a couple questions:
1) Why would you used exposed pocket holes instead of hidden dowels or other type of blind joinery?
2) Are you planning on painting them? In my experience soft woods like basswood lasts longer when painted. It also ties into the room better if you match the window trim or wall paint color.
Otherwise I think its a good video.
Thanks for your inputs! That is the purpose of this video, to be upfront about first time mistakes on this project. For a part-time woodworker, it is really hard to get the "experience" after many years. I have been woodworking for 7 years now and I would probably make the same type of mistakes on any first time build on some things. Regarding your questions 1) On the first build, given that the shutter needs to be perfectly square with all those louvers and other things installed so I do not recommend glue joinery for any beginner (or experienced person). You can make fine adjustments with a screw. My mistake was making those pocket holes on the outside, if they are on the inside you don't need to worry about them. By the way, I hate pocket holes for anything that is structural. 2) that shutter is long gone with the sale of the house a few years ago shortly after the build, but I did give it a dark stain but wasn't satisfied with the outcome. I would probably just "poly" it with oil based poly as the beauty of basswood is too good to be painted over. To each their own. Last but not least, I have stopped building anything that I cannot take with me so no more shutters!!!
Very good video! What kind of wood did you use to build the shutter？
I think I understand everything pretty well at this point. Except, I am going to spray paint latex on the shutters before installation, but I'm not sure if I want to spray the parts before assembly, or after assembly. It would be easier after assembly but I'm afraid those louvers may bind up if/when paint gets into the nylon swivels.
Bryan, if you are spraying thinned latex it is a lot easier post assembly. It is a lot harder to keep individually sprayed components from sticking to something and get a smooth finish. The paint won't even reach the nylon swivels :) I will post the video of me doing it soon.
That would be fantastic! Yes, I was worried about the space and time involved for spraying all components scattered about.
The only time I recommend spraying before assembly is if you are staining the shutters. The spraying process has a tendency to overspray on the stiles and hence the stiles would end up way darker in stain color. Even in this case I would probably choose to spray post assembly since it is so much easier. You are spraying solid color latex it does not matter at all.
How did you get the plans for that wide of a shutter? The rockler shutter wizard only says its a 24" max width.
its been a long time but I think I took the 24" plan and just widened everything
Great tips man , quick question when you measured your windows did you subtract 1/16 for each hinge and 1/8 for the panels ( where the two blinds will meet) then plugged it into the wizard or does the wizard automatically do that for you ?
Thanks in advance
Someone should make a detailed how to measure your window for rockler system hint hint 👍🏻
Hi there, it has been like 4 years since I made that and I don't remember honestly. i don't live in that house anymore otherwise I could go measure it for you. Rockler store representatives are normally super knowledgeable and should be able to guide you.
Great tips sir... Did you make your own louvers? I see rockler sells the bit but not sure where to get my wood stock for this I can only find 5/4 basswood any ideas?
Hello! I did not. I bought them from Rockler on sale. If you are making a lot to shutters, I recommend going to the lumber yard and having them mill these louvers for you. Rockler buys them from the places and you can save a lot of money by buying directly from them.
Thanks for the tips. What size louvers did you use?
You are welcome. 3 1/2" louvers.
interesting points ,if anyone else wants to uncover woodworking project design try Jadonite Wood Blueprints Buddy (just google it ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got amazing success with it.